Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Septic Systems)
The Shawano County Planning & Development Department is responsible for the review and issuance of sanitary permits and inspection of all POWTS. The acronym POWTS stands for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System, which is commonly referred to as a septic system. The term POWTS refers to all types of private sewage systems, including conventional, in-ground pressure, mound, at-grade, holding tank and others. The type of soils on the property predominantly determines the type of POWTS that can be used on a property. All buildings in Shawano County that are permanently or intermittently intended for human habitation or occupancy that contain inside plumbing and are NOT served by public sanitary sewer shall be served by a POWTS that is approved by the Shawano County Planning & Development Department. With few exceptions, all work performed on a POWTS must be done by a properly licensed plumber with a valid permit.
